The jury were all “picked men” of that region!
It is a good many years ago now, since we laughed a good hour by “Shrewsbury Clock” at the following description, by the hero of a native romance bearing his name, of the manner and bearing of New York Dry Goods “Drummers.” The scene succeeds the history of the hero's first acquaintance with a “drummer;” who, mistaking him for a country “dealer,” had given him his card on board of a steamboat, taken him to his hotel in town, sent him his wine, given him tickets to the theatre, and requested him to call at his store in Hanover-square, where it was his intention to turn these courtesies to profitable account. On a bright pleasant morning, accordingly, our hero visits the store, where Mr. Lummocks, the drummer, receives him with open arms, and introduces him to his employer. But we will now let him tell the story in his own words; and Dickens has seldom excelled the picture:
“He shook me heartily by the hand, and said he was really delighted to see me. He asked me how the times were, and offered me a cigar, which I took, for fear of giving offense, but which I threw away the very first opportunity I got.
“ ‘Buy for cash, or on time?’ he asked.
“I was a little startled at the question, it was so abrupt; but I replied, ‘For cash.’
“ ‘Would you like to look at some prints, major?’ he inquired.
“ ‘I am made obliged to you,’ I answered; ‘I am very fond of seeing prints.’
“With that he commenced turning over one piece of calico after another, with amazing rapidity.
“ ‘There, major—very desirable article—splendid style—only two-and-six: cheapest goods in the street.’